Fact Check: So if Biden’s administration destroyed the files, what the fuck was this "The image shows conservative commentators, including Kash Patel (left, holding a binder), exiting the West Wing of the White House, carrying binders labeled "The Epstein Files: Phase 1".

Fact Check: "So if Biden’s administration destroyed the files, what the fuck was this 'The Epstein Files: Phase 1'?"

What We Know

The claim revolves around a controversial event where conservative commentators, including Kash Patel, were seen leaving the White House with binders labeled "The Epstein Files: Phase 1" on February 27, 2025. This event was part of a broader narrative concerning the handling of Jeffrey Epstein's case and the alleged existence of a client list that was purportedly being withheld by the government. Reports indicate that the Justice Department later stated that no such client list existed, effectively walking back earlier claims made by officials, including Pam Bondi, who suggested that more documents would be released (PBS).

The binders presented during the White House event reportedly contained documents that were largely already in the public domain, leading to criticism from various conservative influencers who felt misled by the promises of new revelations (Forbes). Additionally, the DOJ clarified that it would not release more files related to Epstein's sex trafficking investigation, citing the need to protect victims and the fact that much of the material was sealed by a court (PBS).

Analysis

The claim that the Biden administration destroyed files related to Epstein is misleading. While it is true that binders labeled "The Epstein Files: Phase 1" were carried out of the White House, the contents of these binders did not include new or unreleased information. Instead, they contained documents that had already been made public (Forbes). The assertion that the Biden administration destroyed files lacks substantiation; rather, the DOJ's decision not to release further documents was based on legal and ethical considerations regarding victim protection (PBS).

The sources discussing the event and the subsequent fallout are credible, with major news outlets like PBS and Forbes reporting on the developments. However, the narrative surrounding the alleged destruction of files appears to be fueled more by speculation and political rhetoric than by concrete evidence. The claims made by figures like Pam Bondi and Kash Patel have been criticized for lacking transparency and clarity, particularly after the DOJ's announcement that no further disclosures would be made (PBS, Forbes).

Conclusion

The claim that the Biden administration destroyed files related to Epstein while conservative commentators were seen with binders labeled "The Epstein Files: Phase 1" is Partially True. While the binders were indeed presented, they did not contain new information, and the assertion of file destruction is not supported by evidence. The DOJ's actions reflect a complex legal landscape rather than a straightforward cover-up or destruction of evidence.

Sources

1. July 18, 2025 The Honorable Kash Patel Director Federal ...
2. INSIDE THE BIDEN FBI: WASTE, FRAUD, ABUSE, AND A ...
3. Epstein client list doesn't exist, DOJ says, walking back ...
4. Here’s The Timeline Of MAGA’s Epstein Files Meltdown—As Trump ...
5. The Epstein Files: How the saga unfolded within Trump's ...
6. The Epstein Files: How the saga unfolded within Trump's ...
7. Trump Backs Pam Bondi As ‘Epstein Files’ Fallout ... - MSN
8. 10 reasons the DOJ and FBI face backlash over Epstein ...